DR KAREN LINDNER is the new Lower School Principal at CDNIS Hong Kong, overseeing a community of more than 1,000 students from Nursery to Grade 5, and 130 staff. Karen was previously the Lower School Vice Principal at CDNIS, and before that an elementary school vice principal in Beijing.
Where are you from and where do you call home?
I’m originally from Melbourne, although I consider myself lucky to have three places that really feel like home to me. I visit Australia regularly to reconnect with friends and family in both Melbourne and Brisbane. Beijing became a second home during the ten years I lived there and I still feel a strong connection, especially as my boys spent most of their childhood there. Hong Kong feels like a blend of both cities in many ways, so I’ve quickly come to feel that it’s a natural home for me too.
Tell us a bit about your background in education, including any other expat postings you’ve had.
I always wanted to be a teacher. I moved straight from high school into a Bachelor of Music/Bachelor of Teaching at the University of Melbourne. I’m fortunate to have experienced teaching across early years, elementary and secondary education during my career, beginning as a homeroom teacher in Australia and also holding specialist roles in English as an Additional Language (EAL), drama and music.
In 2013, I relocated to Beijing with the support of a Prime Minister’s Australia-Asia scholarship to pursue my PhD research into the expectations and experiences of international students studying in Australian secondary schools. This led to project management leading the Chaoyang English Project, after which I moved to Western Academy of Beijing as a teacher, coordinator and Vice-Principal.
What is something that you’d like current and prospective students and parents to know about you?
I’m often asked about my name: at school, I go by “Dr Karen”. I use this as an opportunity to model a commitment to academic achievement and to show that learning, whether informal or through formal study, is a lifelong pursuit. As I’m not a medical doctor, this often leads to meaningful conversations with students about the many forms of expertise and what it means to engage in advanced learning.
What are you most excited for in your new role as Lower School Principal at CDNIS Hong Kong?
I’m excited to leverage our passionate and highly skilled team of educators and to help shape holistic, meaningful learning experiences that inspire students to set and achieve academic and personal goals. Having already experienced the warmth and vibrancy of this community, I feel incredibly grateful to be part of it. As I embark on this new chapter, I’m committed to honouring the strengths of our school while also embracing innovation and continuous growth. It’s a privilege to lead in a place where high quality learning is truly a joyful journey.
What drew you to the school? How is CDNIS different from other international schools in Hong Kong?
To be honest, there were many factors that drew me to CDNIS originally, and that continue to drive my commitment to this community. A powerful factor is the mission-driven approach of our school: our guiding statements around inspiring excellence, cultivating character and empowering engagement really do underpin all we do. I enjoy the strong sense of community and see our families as a powerful support in maximising the education we provide.
Our school really stands out for its genuine commitment to that unique combination of joyful and robust learning. As a proud CDNIS parent, I can honestly say that CDNIS has supported my sons to develop the learner attributes and skills that support the achievement of academic success, along with a solid foundation for future studies and careers.
Do you have some specific goals for this academic year?
This year, I’m focused on strengthening community connections, supporting professional growth among faculty, and continuing to develop responsive and engaging programs in the Lower School that inspire our students to try their best, and be their best. We are very excited to be planning for the rollout of our bilingual programme into Grade 3 next year, leaving only two years to go until we are a fully bilingual Lower School in 2028.
What would you say are some key aspects of successful early years education?
For me, successful early years education is about creating a space where children feel safe, curious, and confident to explore the world around them. It’s always enlightening to watch young learners begin to develop a sense of independence: making choices, solving problems, and taking ownership of their learning; while also learning how to be part of a group, to listen, collaborate, and care for others.
Language development plays such a key role in this, and I really value how our bilingual programme supports children in building both English and Chinese from the very first day of Nursery. It’s not just about learning words: it’s about expressing ideas, connecting with others, and developing a strong sense of identity. When we combine that with thoughtful environments, strong relationships, and close partnerships with families, we’re giving children the best possible start to their learning journey.
What is something outside of education that you are passionate about?
My first undergraduate degree was in orchestral percussion, and while I’m definitely out of practice now, the arts are still a big part of my personal and family life. (My husband and sons are musicians too.) I’m passionate about how music, and the arts more broadly, can bring people together, spark creativity, and build understanding within and across cultures. I also sing in the CDNIS community choir: come along and hear us sometime!
What are some things you like to do in Hong Kong when you’re not working?
I enjoy hiking Hong Kong’s beautiful trails, and am still discovering new corners of the city. There’s a great food scene here, with lots of variety. I also love a good walk along the beach and swimming in the ocean; it clears my mind. There’s something magical about the idea of a grain of sand travelling the oceans and connecting us all.
Canadian International School – Fact File
Year established: 1991
Location/s: 36 Nam Long Shan Road (main campus); The Southside (CDNIS Early Years Centre)
Ages taught: 2-18 years
School hours: 7.35am – 3.35pm
Curriculum: IBPYP, IBMYP, IBDP and Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
admissions@cdnis.edu.hk | cdnis.edu.hk
This article on the new Lower School Principal at CDNIS Hong Kong first appeared in the Winter 2025 issue of Expat Living magazine. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy!
